The Frozen Sea

by Maury Zeff

FULL LENGTH: It is 2030 and wunderkind computer programmer Dashiell has set for himself the seemingly impossible task to produce technology with human instincts. When he meets ascendant painter Annelise, he hits upon the idea to create software that can render artistic masterpieces. At first horrified, Annelise realizes that Dashiell’s invention applied to her paintings will give her the success she has always...

FULL LENGTH: It is 2030 and wunderkind computer programmer Dashiell has set for himself the seemingly impossible task to produce technology with human instincts. When he meets ascendant painter Annelise, he hits upon the idea to create software that can render artistic masterpieces. At first horrified, Annelise realizes that Dashiell’s invention applied to her paintings will give her the success she has always sought. In this comical yet dystopian three-hander, the characters wrestle with questions about how far to allow technology to creep into human endeavor and whether you can still call something art if human beings cede its creation to machines.

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The Frozen Sea

Recommended by

  • Evelyn Jean Pine: The Frozen Sea

    THE FROZEN SEA illuminates the conflicts and connections between art and science, tech and intuition, but what really compels me about this marvelous play is the wonderful young characters, discovering themselves through their obsessions, their insecurities, and their powerful risk-taking.

    THE FROZEN SEA illuminates the conflicts and connections between art and science, tech and intuition, but what really compels me about this marvelous play is the wonderful young characters, discovering themselves through their obsessions, their insecurities, and their powerful risk-taking.

Character Information

Aside from the three characters, there are several instances of off-stage voices, which can be pre-recorded or played by the three main actors.
  • Dashiell
    AI programmer. Wants to create software with human impulses. Prone to awkwardness.
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Annelise
    Visual artist. Trying to find her voice as an artist. Driven.
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Milo
    AI programmer, but more of a businessman than anything. Cocky.
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), Year 2021
  • Type Reading, Organization Fete du Theatre (Geneva, Switzerland), Year 2021
  • Type Workshop, Organization San Francisco State University, Year 2020
  • Type Reading, Organization The Klatch Parnassus, Year 2020
  • Type Reading, Organization San Francisco Playhouse (postponed for Covid), Year 2020
  • Type Workshop, Organization Berkeley Rep Theater Lab, Year 2018
  • Type Workshop, Organization Just Theater, Year 2018